Ken is beginning to think he is “adventure prone” at this point. So we have shared the news about Echo, the van, our washer has a clog in the drain (that Ken has removed most of but still… the build up from continuous use) and now… his computer (aka the way he makes his livelihood). Thankfully the parts required have all been on sale. I think poor Ken is starting to wonder if he is cursed! I am just thankful that Ted was along for the ride, not only does he know a lot about computers (like Ken) but when they made their brief trips out to get parts etc. they went with his cell phone in hand.

So with that unexpected computer malfunction it was up to yours truly to collect up the 4 kids and Petite Sheepette and make the trek to the gas station. We drug the double stroller (my all time favourite) out of the basement (it doesn’t fit in the new old van easily) and tossed the girls in that. I got that stroller way back when I was first pregnant with the twins. Back in 2004 the stroller we got (a Graco) was really the only available option! I was going to put Echo in without the carseat but it was just too chilly out (also the reason why we didn’t stop off at the park. It was just that little bit too windy and chilly to play).

Petite Sheepette in front of our sign

So the 5 of us and Petite Sheepette walked down to our usual gas station. It was Petite Sheepette’s first solo adventure. We stopped at our favourite rocks right before the gas station and took a picture.

And then we showed her Mommy’s favourite slurpee flavour.

And where we pick out our special treats.

Then she spent quality time in the warmth of the carseat with our Petite Echo. (These two are two of a kind are they not?).

When we got home we made… CUPCAKES!!! From a box mix but we worked together to do what was needed. Zander even helped crack an egg… though he missed the first time completely.

Baking time!

And we used the electric mixer… Well Trinity and Zander did. Emanuel was too busy playing on Uncle Ted’s iPad.

It actually came down to Trinity and myself to put the cupcakes in their cups. Which was just fine with us girls. Trinity stole some licks off the spoon.

The dress… the dress… I am rather pleased! With the input of Ted, Ken and Karyn (via webcam as she is in Saskatchewan right now) I decided to add the final touch of two little ribbon flowers on her shoulders. They are made from a lovely brown and pink patterned ribbon with heart crystals at their centre. The headband was made super simple with the ice cream cone ribbon made in a simple super short tailed bow – after all anything big Echo will pull on. I have to say I am looking forward to the next dress I can get my hands on – anyone have any cast offs??

So this is definitely NOT the Easter I had envisioned. We are making the best of it and then some. Baking, walks, playing computer games… even with the things that have shown up in our path we have had some amazing moments. It is still odd to have no Gavin… the dynamics in the house are definitely different but I have enjoyed my time with the 4 that remain. Zander spent some special time last night playing Minecraft with Ken and he and Emanuel are having sleep overs in Emanuel’s room.

That is not to say I am not a little frustrated. With the van not any good for longer distances I am spending a large amount of time at home, and in turn finding the kids out on a lot of their sneaky manoeuvres with their stashing of toys. On the plus side – Emanuel’s room is clean… again… for the 3rd time… Oh well, time to bust out another box and box up more extras I guess!

Peeking through the spaces